Strategic partnership with US, China “equally important” – Georgian PM

Georgia’s new Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday stressed the significance of the strategic partnerships with both the United States and China, highlighting the importance of bilateral relations with “both superpowers” from political and economic perspectives in his press comments. 

Kobakhidze underscored the necessity of strengthening these partnerships, with a meeting with the Chinese ambassador preceding an exchange with his US counterpart. 

The PM outlined Georgia’s relationship with each country was based on “mutual interests, with priorities determined accordingly”, and noted China’s “growing interest” in Georgia, evident through “various tangible initiatives and collaborations”.

“While we have a longstanding strategic partnership with the US, we established a similar partnership with China last year, marked by a relevant agreement. Our goal is to further enhance these relations in both directions,” Kobakhidze stressed. 

Discussing the dynamics of strategic partnerships, he acknowledged a perceived decline in the US’ interest in recent years, reflected in protocol matters and high-level engagements. He expressed the importance of revitalizing and intensifying relations with Washington, citing the need for increased bilateral cooperation.

“Our aim is to foster more robust strategic partnerships with both the US and China. However, the trajectory of these partnerships depends on the mutual interests and actions of all involved parties. We are committed to advancing our priorities while engaging with our strategic partners,” he said.